HELP Eric for his spine surgery!

Hello, and thank you for taking the time to read our family’s story (organizers Huguette Trudel, mom-in-law and Mona Collette, mom to Eric).

 

Eric Collette is a beloved husband to Sylvie, papa to Kaleb and Maelle, son, brother, son-in-law, uncle and good friend to many. A young, hard-working, family-oriented dad who loves taking his family on camping and fishing adventures! Eric is the kind of guy who always has a smile on his face, who always thinks of the positive in a difficult situation, and who always knows how to crack a good joke; a bit of a prankster if you will! He is always willing to lend a helping hand, never thinking twice about it and never expecting anything in return. Anyone who knows Eric, can unequivocally say that he has a heart of gold – he’d do anything for his loved ones, his family and friends. Unfortunately, Eric has been struggling with back problems for many years and recently, their lives were turned upside down.

 

The ONZ Team (International Spine Department) from Germany, Doctors Bierstedt & Illernaus, along with Malte Petersen have confirmed the following:

Diagnosis:

Severe degenerative disc disease (DDD) (dehydrated disc, loss of disc height, herniation) with bi-lateral stenosis at level L4/5 and large central-right disc herniation causing severe spinal canal and right foraminal stenosis at level L5/S1.

Surgical Treatment Plan:

Total discectomy by anterior surgical approach and disc replacement with an artificial mobility disc at level L4/5, L5/S1.

Other Comments:

Disc dehydration and further collapsing of the discs is to be expected. Due to the nature of the disease, the correlation of symptoms described by the patient and the progressively increasing pain, they advise for a very soon surgical intervention. Permanent compression of the nerve structures could result in irreversible neurological deficits. With disc replacement and restoring disc function, the goal is that Eric will be able to return to a fully active lifestyle.

 

The surgery is not readily available in Canada. As a result of this challenging and unexpected event, we are reaching out to family, friends and our community for help.

 

The overall expenses for this surgery is $60,000. Eric will undergo spine surgery at the Elisabeth Hospital in Recklinghausen, Germany on November 18, 2021 as this is his best chance of preventing further long-lasting damage or paralysis. Sylvie is required to accompany Eric as he will need help and rehabilitation post-surgery. Their children Kaleb and Maelle will be taken care of by family members during this time, ensuring to keep as normal a routine as possible for them. As you can well imagine, any young family facing this predicament will need support emotionally and financially.

 

WE are kindly asking for your help, please! Any amount donated, even $1, is so much appreciated. All funds raised will go directly to medical costs and related travel expenses for Eric and Sylvie. On their behalf, we cannot thank you enough for your kind generosity and support. Prayers and well wishes are most welcome for Eric as we all want him to come back home to his much loved children with a healthy back!